MARTZ, J. R. 1842-1933

MARTZ, LIGHTER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/10/2015 at 20:14:36

J. R. Martz, Civil War Veteran, Dies At Son's Home

J. R. Martz, one of the few remaining Grundy county veterans of the Civil War, died at the home of his son Edward in Grundy Center at six o'clock Tuesday morning. He would have been 91 years old on the 8th of June. Old age took its toll gradually and this old war veteran when the final summons came had consumed all of his vitality. He was not sick but he was completely worn out and he passed away as peaceably as if he were going to sleep for the night. Since the death of his wife he lived alone in his home in Grundy Center. Due to his final inability to take care of himself he consented to go to the home of his son a month ago.

Mr. Martz first came to Grundy Center 71 years ago and for a number of years engaged in school teaching in Grundy and Butler counties. In 1864 he returned to Maryland where he enlisted in Co. D, 2nd Maryland infantry, and served under the U.S. colors until the close of the war in 1865. In 1869 he returned to Grundy county where shortly after he was married to Miss Jane Lighter.

Mr. Martz was for many years a member of the local Post of the G.A.R. and he was the Post's last commander.

Mr. Martz was born in Somerset county, Pa., in 1842. He attended school at Mt. Pleasant, Pa., and later attended the state normal school of Pennsylvania. He also had one year of college work. He taught school in Pennsylvania for three years before coming to Iowa.

After his return to Grundy county in 1869 Mr. Martz engaged in farming and remained on his own farm until he and his wife entered into retirement in their home in Grundy Center.

Funeral services will be held at the home of Edward Martz Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 16 March 1933, pg 1

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Obituary J. R. Martz

Jacob R. Martz was born in Somerset county, Pa., June 8, 1842, and passed away at the home of his son, E. W. Martz, March 14, 1933. He attended the public schools at Mount Pleasant, Pa., later enrolling at the state normal. He also had one year at college. At 18 years of age Mr. Martz began teaching school and taught three years in Pennsylvania.

On Oct. 21, 1862, he came by rail to Cedar Falls, which at that time was the end of the railroad. From Cedar Falls he walked to Grundy Center, there being at that time only six houses between the two towns and the town of Grundy Center consisted of five buildings.

He started teaching at once, serving in both Story and Butler counties. After two years, he went to Cumberland, Maryland, and volunteered his service to his country, enlisting in Co D, Second Maryland Infantry, remaining in the army until the close of the war.

He returned to Grundy Center and on April 13, 1869, was united in marriage to Mary Jane Lighter. At this time he located on the farm 6 miles southwest of Grundy Center and continued teaching for a number of years in this community. After which he engaged in farming until 1909, when he and his wife moved to Grundy Center to make their home. Mrs. Martz passed away 11 years ago. To this union were born 6 children, three sons and three daughters: Edward W., Mrs. John Stevens, and Clyde S. of Grundy Center; Mrs. R. W. Mumper of Donna, Texas; Mrs. Arnold Keller of Dodge, N. Dak., and S. R. Martz of Taberg, N. Y., who passed away a year ago. He also leaves to mourn his loss 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also two brothers and one sister, Charles C. Martz, Ellerslie, Maryland; Samuel H. Martz, Whittier, Calif., and Mrs. Laura Earhard of Clarksburg, W. Va.

Funeral services conducted by Rev. Bird were held at the home of E. W. Martz, Thursday. The remains were laid to rest by the side of his wife in the Alice cemetery. Six Sons of Veterans acted as pallbearers. They were W. E. Morrison, Arthur Brown, Eiber Stevens, W. G. Kerr, Ira Rouse and Henry Abels. The local American Legion firing squad performed the last rites due an American soldier at the grave.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 23 March 1933, pg 7